The cuckoo, known for its distinctive call, is a medium-sized bird that resembles a small hawk. It has gray plumage on its head, back, and chest, while its underparts are barred with black and white. This species is a brood parasite; it lays its eggs in the nests of other birds, leaving them to raise its young. Cuckoos feed mainly on insects and larvae, particularly hairy caterpillars, which are often avoided by other species. They are trans-Saharan migrants, wintering in Africa and returning to Europe to nest in the spring. They prefer open habitats with scattered shrubs and trees, such as deciduous forests, forest edges, and agricultural areas. Nesting occurs between April and July.